JP7169427B2 - Washing machine drain sealing device and washing machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the technical field of drainage in a washing machine without holes in the inner tub, and more particularly to a drainage sealing device for the washing machine and the washing machine.

Generally, the structure of a conventional washing machine includes two parts, an inner tub and an outer tub, and the inner tub and the outer tub communicate with each other. Also, the inner tank is provided with a dehydration hole for dehydration, and the outer tank is sealed so as to serve as a water tank. Therefore, when the washing machine operates, the area between the inner tub and the outer tub is filled with water. Therefore, as the washing machine is used and operated for a long period of time, the area between the inner and outer tubs becomes covered with dirt and lint contained in the water. As a result, cleaning effectiveness and user experience are greatly affected.

In order to solve the problem of contamination of the inner and outer tubs caused by water filling between the inner and outer tubs, the conventional new washing machine is sealed between the inner and outer tubs to prevent contamination. It makes the problem eradicable. A known solution is to isolate the inner and outer tanks by designing the inner tank as a non-perforated inner tank, with the inner tank acting as a reservoir. In addition, in order to drain water from the inner tank, the inner tank is sealed by pressing the outer sealing structure against the drain hole of the inner tank. However, in such a case, the inner tub cannot rotate relative to the outer tub. Therefore, if the load in the inner tub wobbles due to the rotation of the laundry, there is a risk that the sealing structure will wobble, and water leakage may occur.

In addition, with the improvement of living standards, the user's demands for cleaning effect on clothes continue to increase. Basically, a conventional washing machine cleans clothes by agitating the water stream by rotating a pulsator during both washing and rinsing processes. However, the water flow formed by such a cleaning method is rather uniform, and an improvement in the cleaning effect is desired. On the other hand, in the case of a conventional dual-power washing machine, more power can be applied to the water flow by controlling the rotation of the pulsator and the inner tub in opposite directions during washing and rinsing. This increases the water flow method and strengthens the water flow effect, thus providing a relatively good cleaning effect.

As described above, the present invention provides a washing machine in which water cannot exist between tubs, and at the same time, by providing a washing method of a dual-power washing machine, it is possible for the user to determine the cleanliness of the clothes and the cleanliness of the washing machine. The purpose is to satisfy the requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To solve the above problems, the first object of the present invention is to provide a drain sealing device for a washing machine. Specifically, the following technical solutions are used.

A drain sealing device for a washing machine, the washing machine including an inner tub. A drain hole is formed in the bottom of the inner tank. The drain sealing device is mounted on the bottom of the inner tub and includes a sealing mechanism sealingly engageable with the drain hole.

During washing or rinsing, the sealing mechanism sealingly engages the drain hole and the inner tub is filled with wash water. When draining water, the sealing mechanism opens the drain hole, so that the cleaning water in the inner tank is drained from the drain hole.

Further, the sealing mechanism includes a closing member, a connecting member and a securing member. The fixed member is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the inner tub, and the connecting member is mounted on the fixed member so as to be relatively slidable. In addition, the connecting member is also connected to the blocking member to move the blocking member to achieve sealing and separation between the blocking member and the drain hole.

Furthermore, the fixed member has a hollow sliding path. The connecting member has one end slidably installed in the hollow sliding path in the fixed member and the other end extending and connected to the closing member. The connecting member axially slides back and forth within the hollow slideway to seal and separate the closure member and the drain hole.

Further, the sealing mechanism includes an elastic member. The elastic member has one end connected to the fixing member and the other end connected to the closing member or the connecting member. The elastic member is deformed when the connecting member slides until the closing member and the drain hole are in a separated state, realizing sealing by elastic restoration of the closing member.

Preferably, said resilient member is in compression in the initial state to maintain sealing engagement between the closure member and the drain hole.

Further, the elastic member is a tension spring, and the connecting member is a hollow tension spring bush. Also, the fixing member includes a threaded bush having a hollow inside. The tension spring bushing is slidably fitted within the threaded bushing, and the tension spring is fitted within the tension spring bushing. The tension spring is connected at one end to the threaded bushing and at the other end to the tension spring bushing or closure member.

Further, the tension spring has a first connecting portion extending outward along the circumferential direction at one end and a second connecting portion at the other end. An outer wall of the threaded bushing is provided with an engaging groove for positionally regulating and engaging the first connecting portion of the tension spring. Further, a retraction through-groove that retracts from the first connecting portion during sliding is provided at a portion corresponding to the engagement groove at one end of the tension spring bushing. Also, the other end of the tension spring bushing is provided with a position regulating flange. The second connecting portion of the tension spring extends between the position regulating flange and the closing member and is clamped and fixed.

Preferably, X is smaller than Y, where X is the height of the portion of the tension spring bush where the retraction through groove is not formed, and Y is the height of the entire screw bush.

Further, the fixing member includes a fastening bush, and the fastening bush and the screw bush are screwed together. By tightly threading the fastening bushing and the threaded bushing, the tension spring is moved and the preload applied from the tension spring to the closing member is adjusted to achieve automatic sealing by the closing member.

Preferably, said fixing member further comprises a support plate. The support plate is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the inner tub, and the fastening bush is fixedly mounted on the support plate.

Further, the closure member includes a top cover. The upper end surface of the upper cover is an arcuate surface, and the lower end surface of the upper cover has a sealing portion that sealingly engages the drain hole. One end of the connecting member is fixedly connected to the center of the lower end surface of the upper cover.

Preferably, the closing member further includes a gasket, and the gasket is installed on the lower end surface of the upper cover.

Further, the sealing mechanism includes a sealing member. Both ends of the sealing member are hermetically mounted between the closing member and the fixed member to form a sealed space. Also, the connection member is installed in the sealed space.

Preferably, said sealing member is a sealing threaded bushing. One end of the sealing screw bushing is sealingly connected to the upper cover, and the other end is sealingly connected to one end of the fastening bushing closer to the upper cover. This creates a sealed space that completely covers the tension spring bushing and the tension spring.

Further, the washing machine includes a water collecting device installed outside the inner tub. The drainage sealing device further includes a drive mechanism mounted on the water collecting device to correspond to the sealing mechanism. The drive mechanism has an output end that can be vertically extended.

During washing or rinsing, the output end of the drive mechanism is retracted. The sealing mechanism then sealingly engages the drain hole and the inner tub is filled with wash water. When draining water, the output end of the drive mechanism extends and pushes up the sealing mechanism to separate it from the drain hole. As a result, the drain hole is opened, and the wash water in the inner tank flows out from the drain hole into the water collecting device and is discharged.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine. Specifically, the following technical measures are adopted.

The washing machine includes an inner tub. A drain hole is formed in the bottom of the inner tank. A drainage sealing device including a sealing mechanism that can be sealingly engaged with the drainage hole is mounted on the bottom of the inner tub.

During washing or rinsing, the sealing mechanism sealingly engages the drain hole and the inner tub is filled with wash water. When draining water, the sealing mechanism opens the drain hole, so that the cleaning water in the inner tank is drained from the drain hole.

The drainage sealing device in the present invention is designed in the structure of the inner tank itself. The sealing mechanism can automatically seal the inner tub so that no water can exist between the inner tub and the outer tub when the washing machine is in operation, preventing contamination. In addition, the user can apply water-saving technology. In addition, after the inner tub is automatically sealed by the sealing mechanism, the inner tub and the pulsator can be rotated relative to each other, so that the clothes can be washed with dual power.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a sealing mechanism of a drainage sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the drain sealing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to a washing machine (with the drain hole closed). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how the drain sealing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to a washing machine (with the drain hole open).

The drain sealing device for a washing machine and the washing machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in the washing machine drain seal, the washing machine includes an inner tub 700 . A drain hole is formed at the bottom of the inner tub 700 . The drain sealing device is mounted on the bottom of the inner tub 700 and includes a sealing mechanism sealingly engageable with the drain hole.

During washing or rinsing, the sealing mechanism sealingly engages the drain hole and the inner tub is filled with wash water. When draining water, the sealing mechanism opens the drain hole, so that the cleaning water in the inner tank is drained from the drain hole.

The drain sealing device in this embodiment is designed in the structure of the inner tank itself. The sealing mechanism can automatically seal the inner tub so that no water can exist between the inner tub and the outer tub when the washing machine is in operation, preventing contamination. In addition, the user can apply water-saving technology. In addition, after the inner tub is automatically sealed by the sealing mechanism, the inner tub and the pulsator can be rotated relative to each other, so that the clothes can be washed with dual power.

Therefore, the sealing mechanism of this embodiment does not interfere with the operation of the inner tank while sealing the drain hole. As one embodiment of this embodiment, the sealing mechanism includes a closing member, a connecting member and a securing member. The fixed member is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the inner tub, and the connecting member is mounted on the fixed member so as to be relatively slidable. In addition, the connecting member is also connected to the blocking member to move the blocking member to achieve sealing and separation between the blocking member and the drain hole.

The closing member of the sealing mechanism in this embodiment closes the drain hole in the initial state, and automatically seals the drain hole of the inner tank. On the other hand, when draining water, an external driving mechanism acts on the connecting member to move it, and the connecting member moves the blocking member, so that the blocking member and the drain hole are separated and the drain hole is opened.

Furthermore, the fixed member described in this embodiment has a hollow sliding path. The connecting member has one end slidably installed in the hollow sliding path in the fixed member and the other end extending and connected to the closing member. The connecting member axially slides back and forth within the hollow slideway to seal and separate the closure member and the drain hole.

In order to achieve automatic sealing of the drain hole by the sealing mechanism, the sealing mechanism described in this embodiment includes an elastic member. The elastic member has one end connected to the fixing member and the other end connected to the closing member or the connecting member. The elastic member is deformed when the connecting member slides until the closing member and the drain hole are in a separated state, realizing sealing by elastic restoration of the closing member.

Preferably, said resilient member is in compression in the initial state to maintain sealing engagement between the closure member and the drain hole.

As one embodiment of this embodiment, the elastic member is a tension spring 300 and the connecting member is a tension spring bushing 200 with a hollow interior. Also, the fixing member includes a threaded bushing 400 having a hollow inside. The tension spring bushing 200 is slidably fitted in the threaded bushing 400, and the tension spring 300 is fitted in the tension spring bushing. The tension spring 300 has one end connected to the threaded bushing 400 and the other end connected to the tension spring bushing 200 or the closing member.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the tension spring 300 has a first connecting portion 302 extending outward along the circumferential direction at one end and a second connecting portion 301 at the other end. An outer wall of the threaded bushing 400 is provided with an engagement groove 401 for restricting and engaging the first connecting portion 302 of the tension spring 300 . Also, at a portion corresponding to the engagement groove 401 at one end of the tension spring bushing 200, a retraction through groove 202 that retracts from the first connection portion 302 during sliding is provided. Also, the other end of the tension spring bushing 200 is provided with a position regulating flange 201 . The second connecting portion 301 of the tension spring 300 extends between the position regulating flange 201 and the closing member and is clamped and fixed.

Preferably, X is smaller than Y, where X is the height of the portion of the tension spring bushing 200 where the retraction through groove is not formed, and Y is the height of the entire screw bushing. As a result, the tension spring bushing 200 is not disturbed by the tension spring inside when it slides up and down.

Further, the fixing member described in this embodiment includes a fastening bush 600, and the fastening bush 600 and the threaded bush 400 are screwed together. By tightly threading the fastening bushing 600 and the threaded bushing 400, the tension spring 300 is moved to adjust the preload applied from the tension spring 300 to the closing member, so that the closing member automatically seals.

Preferably, the fixation member further includes a support plate 500 . The support plate 500 is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the inner tub 700 , and the fastening bush 600 is fixedly mounted on the support plate 500 .

Specifically, the support plate 500 has a connection hole 501 fixedly connected to the bottom of the inner bath, and a fixing hole 502 for fixing the fastening bush 600 .

More preferably, said fixing holes 502 are located between 2/2 sets of connecting holes 501 .

As one embodiment of this example, the closure member described in this example includes a top cover 100 . The upper end surface of the upper cover 100 is an arcuate surface, and the lower end surface of the upper cover 100 has a sealing portion 101 that sealingly engages with the drain hole. One end of the connection member is fixedly connected to the center of the lower end surface of the upper cover 100 .

Preferably, the closing member further includes a gasket 800, and the gasket 800 is installed on the bottom surface of the upper cover.

Please refer to FIG. 3 for the assembly relationship between each part of the sealing mechanism in this embodiment. First, the tension spring bushing 200 and the threaded bushing 400 are mounted integrally, and the positions of the engagement groove 401 and the retraction through groove 202 are aligned. The retraction through groove 202 penetrates in the radial direction. In the engagement groove 401, the depth of the groove in the radial direction of the screw bush occupies half of the wall thickness. X, which is the dimension left after the retraction through groove 202 is formed in the tension spring bushing 200 in the axial direction, must be lower than Y, which is the height of the threaded bushing 400 .

When mounting the tension spring 300 in the tension spring bushing 200 , one end protruding from the tension spring 300 is not locked to the tension spring bushing 200 but is hooked to the engaging groove 401 of the screw bushing 400 . The other end protruding from the extension spring 300 presses the extension spring 300 by twisting and tightening the tapered structure of the extension spring bushing 200 and the upper cover 100 . Accordingly, the screw bushing 400 and the tension spring bushing 200 are integrally fixed by both ends of the tension spring 300 . Then, by integrally twisting together with the upper cover 100 provided with the gasket 800, one module is constructed (including 100, 200, 400, and 600). On the other side, the support plate 500 is screwed to the flange 900 . By screwing the fastening bush 600 to the screw bush 400 , the screw bush 400 moves the tension spring 300 outward, and the tension spring 300 moves the upper cover 100 . The greater the twisting force, the tighter the module is pulled between the support plate 500 and the inner tub 700 .

Working principle of sealing: One end of the tension spring 300 is fixed by the action of the bell mouth structure of the tension spring bushing 200 and the upper cover 100 , and the other end is engaged with the screw bushing 400 . In the process of mutually twisting and tightening the fastening bushing 600 and the threaded bushing 400, the threaded bushing 400 moves the tension spring 300 downward. When the tension spring 300 is pulled, a tension force is generated, and the top cover 100 is pressed against the gasket 800, thereby achieving automatic sealing in the initial state. At this time, it is possible to put the clothes into the washing machine, supply water, and start washing. In addition, the inner tank is freely rotatable. Moreover, water leakage does not occur. The above is as shown in FIG.

Working principle of drainage: When preparing for drainage, the inner tub overlaps the position of the sealing structure and the driving mechanism 1000 according to the positioning structure. At this time, the output end of the driving mechanism 1000 pushes up the column 102 of the upper cover 100 to move the upper cover 100 upward. As a result, a gap is generated between the upper cover 100 and the bottom of the bath, and drainage is achieved. At that time, the tension spring 300 is also pulled to the maximum stroke. When the draining is completed, the output end 1001 of the driving mechanism 1000 is retracted so that the upper cover 100 seals the drain hole again by the action of the tension spring 300 . The above is as shown in FIG.

In designing the drain seal of this embodiment, a tapered design is employed for both the inner tank and the gasket. As a result, when the clothes are concentrated in the vicinity of the drain port, the impact of the water flow and the action of the gravity of the foreign matter itself make it easier to discharge the foreign matter. In addition, it is easy to prevent lint from accumulating due to long-term operation.

In this embodiment, the space between the pulsator and the bottom of the inner tank is effectively utilized by forming the upper cover 100 into an umbrella-like structure, rationalizing the drawback of insufficient space between the inner tank and the outer tank. ing. This also ensures maximum lifting of the sealing mechanism of the washing machine. And the height of the opening reaches 12mm. Therefore, it is possible to effectively discharge foreign objects such as buttons, hairpins, coins, and lint from the tank.

When draining water, there is a risk that wash water flowing out of the drain hole may enter the fastening bush 600 . In that case, as time passes, lint, dirt, or foreign matter in the washing water enters, affecting the members inside the fastening bush 600, such as the tension spring 200, making normal operation impossible. There is a risk of impeding the normal position return and sealing effect of the closing member. Therefore, in order to ensure relative stability of the operating environment of the members within the fastening bushing 600, the sealing mechanism described in this embodiment includes a sealing member. Both ends of the sealing member are hermetically mounted between the closing member and the fixed member to form a sealed space. Also, the connection member is installed in the sealed space.

Preferably, said sealing member is a sealing screw bushing 1200 . One end of the sealing screw bushing 1200 is sealingly connected to the top cover, and the other end is sealingly connected to one end of the fastening bushing closer to the top cover. Accordingly, a sealed space that completely covers the tension spring bushing 200 and the tension spring 300 is formed. The sealing screw bushing 1200 has a sealing effect and can expand and contract with the vertical movement of the upper cover. The structure is simple, low cost, and ensures a hermetic seal for the operating environment of the tension spring 300 .

As an embodiment of this embodiment, the washing machine includes a water collecting device 1100 installed outside the inner tub. In addition, the drainage sealing device further includes a driving mechanism 1000, which is mounted on the water collecting device to correspond to the sealing mechanism. The driving mechanism has an output end 1001 that can be extended and retracted up and down.

During washing or rinsing, the output end of the drive mechanism is retracted. The sealing mechanism then sealingly engages the drain hole and the inner tub is filled with wash water. When draining water, the output end of the drive mechanism extends to push up the sealing mechanism to separate it from the drain hole. As a result, the drain hole is opened, and the wash water in the inner tank flows out from the drain hole into the water collecting device and is discharged.

Preferably, a drain valve structure can be selected as the drive mechanism.

The water collecting device 1000 of the present embodiment is mainly used for collecting and discharging waste water from the inner tank 700, and collecting and discharging dehydrated water from the inner tank 700. FIG. Therefore, the water collecting device 1000 may be an outer tank or a tray-like structure having a water collecting chamber. As a result, the capacity can be increased to the same extent as the inner tank in the housing.

The output end 1001 of the drive mechanism in this embodiment is a telescopic rod. The telescopic rod can extend into the fastening bush 600 and push up the upper cover 100 .

This embodiment further provides a washing machine including an inner tub. A drain hole is formed in the bottom of the inner tank. A drainage sealing device including a sealing mechanism that can be sealingly engaged with the drainage hole is mounted on the bottom of the inner tub.

During washing or rinsing, the sealing mechanism sealingly engages the drain hole and the inner tub is filled with wash water. When draining water, the sealing mechanism opens the drain hole, so that the cleaning water in the inner tank is drained from the drain hole.

According to the washing machine of this embodiment, since water cannot exist between the tubs, the problem that the area between the inner tub and the outer tub is easily contaminated can be solved. In addition, the washing machine of the present embodiment can realize dual-power washing, so that the washing effect is improved and the user's request for washing is satisfied.

The inner tank of this embodiment is a non-perforated inner tank. The tank wall of the inner tank of this embodiment is entirely sealed except for the dehydration holes provided around the upper part. Preferably, the dewatering hole is installed in the inner tank mouth. In addition, since the dewatering hole can be hidden by the balance ring by attaching the balance ring to the inner tank port, an inner tank structure without holes can be realized.

The foregoing are merely preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed above through preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, slight variations or supplements that can be implemented by those skilled in the art using the technical content presented above are regarded as equally modified equivalent embodiments, and any It does not deviate from the content of the technical plan. In addition, any simple modifications, equivalent variations and supplements added to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention are all within the scope of the scheme of the present invention.

Claims (11)

A washing machine drain sealing device comprising:
The washing machine includes an inner tub, and a drain hole is formed at the bottom of the inner tub ,
including a sealing mechanism sealingly engageable with the drain hole;
the sealing mechanism includes a closing member, a connecting member, an elastic member and a fixing member;
The elastic member is a tension spring, the connecting member is a hollow tension spring bushing, the fixing member includes a hollow threaded bushing, and the tension spring bushing is slidably fitted in the threaded bushing. wherein the tension spring is fitted in the tension spring bushing, the fixing member is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the inner tank,
The tension spring has a first connecting portion extending outward along the circumferential direction at one end and a second connecting portion at the other end. An engaging groove is provided for positionally regulating and engaging the portion, and a retraction through groove for retracting from the first connection portion during sliding is provided at a location corresponding to the engaging groove at one end of the tension spring bushing. a position regulating flange is provided at the other end of the tension spring bushing, the second connecting portion of the tension spring extends between the position regulating flange and the closing member and is clamped and fixed;
During washing or rinsing, the closure member is configured to move and sealingly engage the drain hole to close the drain hole, the wash water filling the inner tub, and during draining, the closure member moves into the drain hole . A drainage sealing device configured to move away from the inner tub, wherein the wash water in the inner tub is drained through the drainage hole. 2. The laundry according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic member is deformed when the connecting member slides until the closing member and the drain hole are separated from each other, and sealing is achieved by elastic restoration of the closing member. Machine drain sealing device. 3. A drain sealing device for a washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said elastic member is in tension in an initial state to maintain sealing engagement between the closure member and the drain hole. 2. The X is smaller than Y, where X is the height of the portion of the tension spring bush where the retraction through groove is not formed, and Y is the height of the entire screw bush. washing machine drain sealing device. The fixing member includes a fastening bush, and the fastening bush and the threaded bush are screwed together. By tightly threading the fastening bushing and the threaded bushing, the tension spring is moved, and the preload applied from the tension spring to the closing member is released. 5. A drain sealing device for a washing machine according to claim 1 or 4 , characterized in that it is adjustable to implement automatic sealing by means of the closing member. 6. The water seal of claim 5, wherein the fixing member further comprises a support plate, the support plate is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the inner tub, and the fastening bush is fixedly mounted on the support plate. Device. The closing member includes an upper cover, the upper end surface of the upper cover is an arcuate surface, the lower end surface of the upper cover has a sealing portion that sealingly engages with the drain hole, and one end of the connecting member is: The drain sealing device for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the drain sealing device is fixedly connected to the center of the lower end surface of the upper cover. The sealing mechanism includes a sealing member, and both ends of the sealing member are sealingly mounted between the closing member and the fixing member to form a sealed space, and the connecting member is installed in the sealed space. The drainage sealing device for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The sealing mechanism includes a sealing member, wherein the sealing member is a sealing threaded bushing, one end of which is sealingly connected to the closure member upper cover, and the other end of which is located near the closure member upper cover in the fastening bushing. 6. The drain sealing device for a washing machine according to claim 5, wherein one end is sealingly connected to form a sealed space that completely covers the tension spring bushing and the tension spring. The washing machine includes a water collecting device installed outside the inner tub, the drain sealing device further includes a driving mechanism, the driving mechanism is mounted on the water collecting device to correspond to the sealing mechanism, and the driving mechanism is vertically movable. has an output end that can be stretched to
During washing or rinsing, the output end of the drive mechanism is retracted, the sealing mechanism sealingly engages the drain hole, and the inner tank is filled with washing water, and during draining, the output end of the drive mechanism is extended. By pushing up the sealing mechanism and separating it from the drain hole, the drain hole is opened, and the washing water in the inner tank flows out from the drain hole into the water collecting device and is discharged. 10. The drainage sealing device for a washing machine according to any one of items 1 to 9. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising an inner tank, wherein a drain hole is formed in the bottom of the inner tank, and a sealing mechanism that can be sealingly engaged with the drain hole is included in the bottom of the inner tank. or the drainage sealing device according to item 1 is installed,
During washing or rinsing, the sealing mechanism sealingly engages the drain hole to fill the inner tank with cleansing water, and during draining, the sealing mechanism opens the drain hole so that the cleansing water in the inner tank is released. is discharged from a drain hole.

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